Application Deadline: October 9, 2026.
LOCATION: Canada
Join a global community of exceptional changemakers. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious award for international students. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible to apply for the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be:
an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; and
beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2027 at U of T or another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.
Your high school nominates you:
Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school is eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.
Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026. The deadline to nominate a student is October 9, 2026.
If your school has not yet participated, they can apply to join the program by noon (EST) October 9th 2026.
To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. You must begin your studies in September 2027. The deadline to apply for admission to U of T and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 16, 2026.
Please note: You may apply to up to three areas on your application for admission; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your top choice of program at the time our scholarship decisions are made.
You will receive a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application when you have been nominated by your school. You will be able to complete this form after you have submitted your application for admission to U of T.
The deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is November 6, 2026.
BENEFIT:
Award value
The Pearson International Student Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year approximately 37 students will be named Pearson Scholars.
